When people think of dangerous drug interactions, they rarely see marijuana as part of the equation. Unfortunately, that is what makes marijuana combinations that much more dangerous. There is a wide range of potential risks involved with using marijuana and a narcotic pain reliever, like tramadol.
Some of the perils have to do with impaired decision-making, but others are direct and specific physical dangers.
Risk of Seizure Activity
Tramadol — on its own — increases the risk of seizures in certain users, such as those with a metabolic disorder, past head trauma or other prescription medicines.1 Tramadol is part serotonin-reuptake inhibitor, and marijuana adds to its effect, which can trap serotonin in the body and cause seizures or other dangerous health issues.
Depending on when and where these seizures happen, the user can be put at considerable risk. Seizures are not the only direct health risk for those who combine marijuana and pain medicines like tramadol.
Central nervous system (CNS) depression is one of the deadlier risks involved with combining drugs. It typically happens when a person takes multiple prescription medications like pain and anti-anxiety pills. This can cause the central nervous system to slow down to a critically low level. Marijuana can create this type of depression as well when used with tramadol.
Marijuana-Related Health Risks
Marijuana does not typically lead to overdose by itself,2 but people can certainly overdose on tramadol.
Marijuana famously impairs a user’s decision-making abilities and can cause an individual to do the following:
- Forget how much tramadol has already been taken
- Take risks he or she might not normally take
- Make bad decisions due to reduced inhibitions and awareness
- Make dangerous choices like getting in a car to drive after using marijuana and tramadol
- Fail to recognize a tramadol overdose or allergic reaction
Marijuana-induced paranoia may add to poor decision-making or the choice to take tramadol to calm feelings of anxiety or stress.
Finding the Right Treatment
Seeking professional treatment for drug addiction removes the health risks involved, and it helps individuals take control of their lives.
The following is what proper treatment for tramadol and marijuana abuse entails:
A person doesn’t fight a disease with willpower, and tramadol and marijuana addiction is a disease. It is a health issue, and it needs to be treated as much.
Help for Marijuana and Tramadol Abuse or Addiction
If you are misusing tramadol and marijuana, or if you are struggling with addiction, call our toll-free helpline at 760.548.4032. Learn more about the dangers of drug use and the benefits of personalized treatments. At Michael’s House, we seek to treat the whole person and have specialized programs to help people in all walks of life. Our caring admissions coordinators are here to talk 24 hours a day, so please call now.
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760.548.4032Sources
1 "Tramadol." Drugs.com, January 11, 2018.
2 "What is marijuana?" National Institute on Drug Addiction, February 2018.
